Bronchiolitis Treatment in Indore

✅ What Is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a typical infection of the lungs, which attacks the tiniest airways of the lungs, termed bronchioles.

Mostly it is observed in infants and young children, who are below 2 years old and more specifically during the age of 2-6 months.

The infection causes:

Swelling of the bronchioles

Mucus buildup

Narrowing of airways

Difficulty in breathing

Infants are susceptible to it compared to older children and adults because their airways are extremely small.

⭐ What Causes Bronchiolitis?

Viral infection normally causes bronchiolitis.

The most common virus is:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

of infection.

Other viruses that have the potential to cause Bronchiolitis are:

The common cold virus is known as Rhinovirus (P. aeruginosa).

Influenza (flu)

Adenovirus

Human metapneumovirus

The modes of transmission of these viruses include:

Coughing and sneezing

Handling infected areas.

Being in intimate contact with a sick person.

⭐ How Bronchiolitis Occurs (In Simple Terms)

The virus enters the air passages (nose and throat).

It goes to the bronchioles, the tiniest tubes of breathing in the lungs.

These tubes get swollen and inflamed.

There is an over-excretion of mucus, and it blocks the airway.

The infant also has difficulties in breathing and could either breathe more frequently or wheeze.

⭐ Symptoms of Bronchiolitis

The symptoms usually start like a common cold and deteriorate in a couple of days.

Early Symptoms:

Runny nose

Mild cough

Low-grade fever

As the infection worsens:

Fast or shallow breathing

Wheezing

Persistent cough

Difficulty feeding

Irritability

Vomiting after coughing

Serious Symptoms (Emergency treatment):

Very fast breathing

Flaring of nostrils

Grunting

Chest retractions (pulling in of skin around the ribs as one breathes)

Bluish lips or fingertips

Fatigue or loss of vigour.

⭐ Who Is Most at Risk?

Any child can contract bronchiolitis, but the following groups are at high risk:

Babies under 6 months

Premature infants

Infants who have a poor immune system.

Babies with lung or heart diseases.

Babies exposed to smoke

Youngsters in the daycare (increased viral contact).

How to Diagnose Bronchiolitis.

Physicians diagnose Bronchiolitis as per:

Child’s symptoms

Physical exam

Wheezing/ crackling in the lungs: Listening to the lungs.

No special tests are usually required.

In extreme situations, the physicians might examine:

Oxygen levels

Chest X-ray

Virus detection using a nasal swab.

Bronchiolitis Treatment.

The viruses that cause Bronchiolitis do not have a particular cure. The body struggles against the infection as treatment helps in relief and support.

Home Care:

Frequent breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Ensuring hydration

Sinus nasal saline drops + suction in case of congestion.

Keeping the room humidified

Sitting the child erectly when feeding.

Medical Care (If needed):

Oxygen therapy

IV fluids (if baby can't drink)

Monitoring of the hospital in severe cases.

Going on antibiotics, only in case of a bacterial infection.

⭐ Recovery

Bronchiolitis in general terminates:

1–2 weeks for mild cases

Cough may continue for 2–3 weeks

The majority of children heal without long-term complications.

⭐ Prevention

Frequent handwashing

Staying away from contact with ill people.

Sex education: Keeping babies out of cigarette smoke.

Cleaning toys and surfaces

Immunity- BMI Breastfeeding.

Infants who are at high risk can be administered RSV preventive vaccines at specific seasons (medical recommendation necessary).